Des Moines – Republican Party of Iowa Chair Stewart Iverson named Caleb Hunter to serve as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Party.

Hunter served as Political Director of the Republican Party of Iowa from 2005-2006 and most recently worked at Lincoln Strategies Group, a West Des Moines Public Relations Firm. He previously worked for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and the Republican Party of Iowa’s Victory Campaign in 2004. Hunter is originally from Jesup, IA and is a 2001 graduate of the University of Iowa.

“I have worked with Caleb before and I am confident we have selected the right person to guide the Party through the remainder of the election cycle and continue to build the Party towards success in 2008,” stated Iverson.

Albrecht named as RPI communications director

(DES MOINES) – The Republican Party of Iowa announced today that Tim Albrecht will serve as communications director for the 2008 cycle.

Albrecht, 30, says 2008 will be a positive year for Republicans.

“From races for the Statehouse to the White House, Republicans have a big opportunity this year,” said Albrecht. “The Republican Party of Iowa is putting together a strong slate of candidates and staff, and we will be successful in November.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stewart Iverson, who yesterday announced that Caleb Hunter will be the party’s new executive director, says Albrecht is another great addition to the team.

“Tim is a tested, proven communications director, and I look forward to working with him as we focus on the fall campaigns,” said Iverson. “He brings a wealth of experience and will be instrumental as we share our conservative message to the voters of Iowa.”

Albrecht, of West Des Moines and originally from Ida Grove, most recently served as Iowa press secretary and national media coordinator for Gov. Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. From 2002-2006, he was communications director for Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City. Previous campaign experience includes Steve Sukup’s run for governor in 2002, and the presidential campaign of Steve Forbes in 1999-2000.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Republicans from many state parties held their first national organizational meeting in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856. Presiding over this preliminary session was former U.S. Senator Lawrence Brainerd (VT), a resolute anti-slavery activist.

The next day, delegates chose the first Republican National Committee. New York's Republican state Chairman, Edwin Morgan, was then elected the first Chairman of the RNC. He had the immense responsibility of organizing the first Republican National Convention, to be held just four months later in Philadelphia. Morgan would be elected Governor of New York and U.S. Senator.

So, today is the 152nd anniversary of the RNC. Two years ago, it would have been a phenomenal opportunity for the Republican National Committee to celebrate its 150th anniversary, to kick off the mid-term election campaign season on a unifying and positive note. Alas, this magnificent party-building and fundraising and outreach opportunity just slipped away! Nonetheless, today we honor -- or should honor -- the patriots, the heroes, the visionaries who gave us our Grand Old Party.

Republicans today would benefit tremendously from appreciating the true heritage of our Grand Old Party.

Michael Zak is a popular speaker to Republican organizations around the country, showing office- holders, candidates and activists how they would benefit tremendously from appreciating our Party's heritage of civil rights achievement. Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the acclaimed history of the GOP from the Republican point of view. See www.republicanbasics.com for more information.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Jackson County Convention will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. in the City of Maquoketa at the Maquoketa High School Cafeteria, 600 Washington St.

The County Convention will conduct the following business:

A. Elect District Convention Committee Members (one each for Platform, Rules, Permanent Organization and Credentials).

B. Elect 15 delegates and 8 alternate delegates to the District and State Conventions.

C. Create a County Platform.

IMPORTANT: If you wish to serve as a delegate or alternate delegate to the District and State Conventions, or wish to serve on one of the four District Convention Committees inform Jackson County Republican Central Committee Chair Jean Davidsaver by March 6—call 563-872-3705 or email jeandavidsaver@hotmail.com. Ballots will be prepared for voting at our county convention. There will be a place on the ballot for write-ins or people who are nominated at the county convention.

Delegates to the District and State Conventions are charged a fee of $40 each, payable at the County Convention. Alternate delegates are not charged a fee. Delegates and alternates may sign up for an optional $20 luncheon at the state convention.

The District Convention is Saturday, April 19, starting at the Grand River Center in Dubuque. The District Presidential Caucus meets in Des Moines on Friday, June 13. The State Convention meets at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines on Saturday, June 14.

Friday, February 15, 2008

"Thank you for your comments from last week’s email.I certainly caused a stir when I used the term Big Tent.Many assumed that my thoughts meant we will let anyone in the door and do whatever they wanted regardless of what we, the majority, desired.This is not the case.I invite everyone to come in and have discussions.We cannot get our point across about limited government and fiscal responsibility if we don’t talk to people.So in other words, we can bring people into our Party while maintaining our core principles.

We can work with many people and point out what makes us unique, not by pandering but by having discussions.Each of us can learn by listening to others but sticking to our principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility.Did you realize that the state legislature led by Governor Culver and the Democrats spent or committed a billion dollars more than the previous budget? The Democrats spent more in two years than the eight years under Governor Vilsack’s leadership.They can get by this year but after the November election, there will have to be a very large tax increase.We must stop this now if we have any desire to improve our future in our great state.

The Democrats want the government to care for us from cradle to the grave.Where is our personal responsibility in all of this?They feel the government is better able to care for us than we are.We must stand up for ourselves.We can care for ourselves.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

As some of you know, I recently took the reigns of the Republican Party of Iowa.When this opportunity came before me, it was a no-brainer because I love, respect, care for and am honored to be a part of the Republican Party.For these reasons, I knew I had to step up to the plate because in this next year, the Republican Party will witness one of the most defining, critical and telling years of our time.

Over time, the Republican Party has evolved.It has evolved for the better as we have truly become a “Big Tent Party.”People within the Party are Republicans for many different reasons.Some are more concerned with the business climate.Some are passionate about a quality school system.Some care deeply about their faith and family.Some are worried about the economy.But regardless of all of our insignificant differences, we ultimately are all Republicans for the same fundamental reasons that lie in our core principles.

We need to bear in mind why we have been Republicans from day one.We are Republicans because we chose the Party that stands for limited government and lower taxes, the Party of personal responsibility and fiscal responsibility, the Party of opportunity and not dependence.

I want to make all Republicans feel wanted, welcomed and appreciated.More importantly, I want the Party to bring these core principles back to the forefront of our conservatism, while at the same time embracing all of the other ideas, issues and beliefs that have become a crucial part of our identity.As Chairman, I will bring all Republicans into our big tent and we will unite to ensure Iowa remains red in November and so will the White House.

To hear Chairman Stew Iverson, tune into Jan Mickelson on WHO 1040 at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.